A tired beauty in black and white
freeze framed for eternity.
Deeply etched her worries,
a map of misfortune
for all to see. Thin lips silent,
despair tightly clenched
An American symbol
she became. Of failure?
Her gaze shies away,
unwilling to confront, to beg.
Instead, off into the distance she looks
as if a bit of hope existed.
Formidable, her mother's backbone
coped with hunger, filth, weariness.
Is this the American dream?
Her children recall her
determination, her perseverance.
When she drew them close,
she gave them all she had, her love.
They responded with hope and thanksgiving.
How do we respond?
by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, November 21, 2011
For a short audio excerpt of Florence Thompson, the "Migrant Mother" being interviewed click HERE
This is written for Poetry Jam. You are all invited to write to the above photo prompt. Each week a different challenge is presented.
Also linked it to dVerse "Open Link Night". Already over 100 poems - it's the place to be on Tuesday nights!